What better way to show someone you love them than making a heart-healthy dinner you can enjoy together? Instead of going out for date night, try these recipes for a romantic night in.
On the Menu:
Appetizer: Cucumber Sushi
Main course: Pesto Salmon with Roasted Cauliflower
Dessert: Chocolate-Drizzled Strawberries
Cucumber Sushi
Makes 2 servings
Prep: 15 min Cook: 0 min
Ingredients
1 medium cucumber
¼ small avocado, thinly sliced
½ yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 small carrot, thinly sliced
Preparation
Cut the cucumber through the midline, leaving two cylinders. Slice the rounded end off each cucumber half, so both ends are flat. Use a small knife or spoon to remove cucumber seeds, leaving you with two hollow cylinders. Push avocado into the centres of the cucumber. Use your fingers or a butter knife to press avocado against the sides of the cucumber. Add bell pepper and carrot slices. When the cucumber is filled with veggies, use a sharp knife to slice into 2.5 cm-thick rounds.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: Around 3 slices
Per serving
Calories: 94; Total fat: 5 g; Saturated fat: 1 g; Sodium: 22 mg; Cholesterol: 2 mg; Total carbs: 12 g; Fibre: 3.4 g; Sugars: 5.4 g; Protein: 2 g; Potassium: 479 mg
Pesto Salmon
Makes 2 servings
Prep: 3 min Cook: 10 min
Ingredients
1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
225 g salmon fillet, skinned and cut into 2 portions
¼ cup refrigerated prepared pesto
Optional: Fresh lemon slices
Preparation
Heat oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high flame. Add salmon and cook for about 3-5 minutes. Turn once and cook on the other side until cooked through. Top with pesto, divided evenly between salmon fillets. Garnish with fresh lemon slices.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 fillet
Per serving
Calories: 209; Total fat: 13.3 g; Saturated fat: 2 g; Sodium: 66 mg; Cholesterol: 51 mg; Total carbs: 0 g; Fibre: 0 g; Sugars: 0 g; Protein: 22 g; Potassium: 435 mg
Roasted Cauliflower
Makes 2 servings
Prep: 7 min Cook: 40 min
Ingredients
½ medium head of cauliflower
2 Tbsp olive oil
½ tsp lemon zest
Preparation
Preheat oven to 425°F. Wash and trim cauliflower. Cut into medium florets and toss with olive oil. Distribute evenly on a baking sheet and cook until browned, around 40 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes. Toss with lemon zest.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: Around 1 cup
Per serving
Calories: 155; Total fat: 14 g; Saturated fat: 2 g; Sodium: 45 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Total carbs: 7 g; Fibre: 3 g; Sugars: 3 g; Protein: 3 g; Potassium: 400 mg
Chocolate-Drizzled Strawberries
Makes 2 servings
Prep: 17 min Cook: 1 min
Ingredients
2 cups fresh strawberries
2 Tbsp dark chocolate chips
Preparation
Put chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 20 seconds. Stir with a spoon. If pieces remain, microwave again for 10-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. Place strawberries on a sheet of waxed paper and drizzle with melted chocolate. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes and serve.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 cup
Per serving
Calories: 81; Total fat: 2 g; Saturated fat: 1 g; Sodium: 1 mg; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Total carbs: 16 g; Fibre: 3 g; Sugars: 11 g; Protein: 2 g; Potassium: 220 mg